The Sun. — London, England, 1864-03-24 00:00:00

On EASTER-MONDAY will be produced a Grand Stage Revival of Shakipere's Chr3nicle or Historical Play, entitled the First Part of HENRY THE FOURTH. ------- No pains or expense will be spared to render this presen tation cf our National Author's most popular, and it may be said, most representative English Drama. a becom ng Com me noratfon, in example, at the National Theatre, of the grandeur and comprehensive character of his genius. The cast will include impersonations by those eminent Artists, Mr. PHELPS, Mr. Walter Montgomery, Mr. Walter Lacy. Mr. A ddisol, Air. Ryder, Mr. ttobert Roxby. Mr. Barrett, Mr. E. Phelps, Mr. Rayner, Mr. H. Vandenhoff, Mr. Belmore, Mr. Ellerton, Mr. Fitzjames, Mr. Neville ; Miss Edith Wynne, M ss Rcse Leclercq , a n d Mrs. Edmund Fal coner, supported by all the Members of the Drury-lace Ccm pa.n Tye new and characteristic scenery will be entirely de• signed and painted by Mr. William Beverley. The cosaimes, armour, &I. , wi 1 b, fashioned from desi;ns by R. W. Keene, Esq , t ,ken from illustrated MSS. of she period, and other autuor ties. Preceded by a Transatlantic Extravagnizi. by J. M. Morton, Esq.. entitled THE AL NBA A, in which Mr. G. Belmore and Miss Lydia Thompson will appear. THEATRE ROYAL HAY M ARKET.- Sole Lessee and Mana,zer, Mr, Buckstone. MONDAY nest, March 25. OUR. AMERICAN COUSIN: Messrs sothern, Buckstone, Chippendale, Rogers, Clark, Gordon, Braid, &c. ; Mesdames Angel, Lindley, Bill, Harri=, Snowden, &c After which, the new Easter piece, entitled VENUS AND ADONIS. Messrs. Compton, Wm. Farren, Coe. &c.; Mes dames Louise Keeley, Snowden, t elly Power, Bill, Wright, Boers, &c. Commence at 7. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.- Sole Lesee and Manager, Mr. Geo. Vining. On EASTER MONDAY. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. The Two Dromios, by the Brother 4 Webb. After which, PAUL'S RETURN. To conclude with. first time, a new Farce, by J. M. Morton, Esq.. entitled DRAWING-MOIL SECOND FLOOR, AND ATTICS. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Under the Sole Management of Mr. Pechter. On EASTER MONDAY, the performance will commence with THE DAY AFTER TITS FAIR: Messrs. Widdi combe, Garden, Moreland, and miss E. Lavenu. Ater which, at Eight o'clock, the 117th Night of BEL DEMONIO, a Love Story, in Twelve Tableaux, taken from Stendhal's "Italian Chronicle ." Principal character by Mr. Pechter. Messrs. Jordan, Charles, J. Brough,m, Emery, Raymond, Moreland, Smith, Clifford, Collett, Sims ; Miss Kate Terry, Miss E. Lavenu, Airs. Lee, alas Elsworthy. The Public are entreated to take notice that No Charge is Znade to the occupants of Boxes, Box-places, or Stalls, either to; play bills or for the safe keeping of hat: and cloaks, and that the attendants in all parts of the house are forbidden to receive any gratuities whatever. Box-office open daily from 11 to 5. Commence at 7. _ROYAL ST. JAMES'S THEATRE, under the Management of Mr. B. WEBSTER. Nightly filled with Rank and Fashion.— rile highly popu lar new Comedy of The Silver Lining every Evening until further notice.—Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mathews, Mrs. Stir ling, Mrs. Frank Matthews, &c. The following eminent artistes are cn2aged to appear :—Mr. Benjamin Webster, Mr. and Mr-. Charles Mathews, M. J. L. Toole, Mr. J. Clarke, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Matthews, Mrs. Stirling. Miss Herbert, Mr. Paul Bedford, Mrs. Howard Paul, Miss A. Cottrell, Mr. F. Robinson, Mr. Ashley, Miss Fanny Josephs, Miss Patti Josephs, M:ss Wentworth, &c. Every Evening, at 7, UgD NB. THE ROSE Mr. Ashley: Miss A. Cottrell, Miss Patti Josephs (her second appearance this season). At a quarter before 8, the successful new Comedy, by L. Buckins, , ham, Esq., entitled THE SILVER LINING : Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mathews, Mrs. Stirling, Miss A. Cot trell. Mrs. Frank Matthews, Mr. F. Robinson, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Montagne. - - At 10. Mr. Charles Mathews, just translated from the French, in his characteristic character of tin Anglais Timlde, called COOL AS A CUCUMBER.. On EASTER. MONDAY, first time at this Theatre, the popular c as Ica' Extravaganza, by J. B. Planche, of the GOLDEN FLEECE. Characters by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mathews, Mr. J. Clarke, and Miss A. C;Atrel . ••••m• •.• ISTAL FALACE.-GOOD FRIDAY, TO CEXTRA TRAINS all ways throgghout the da .y. Cnusual attractions.—One rARYSTAL PALACE.—GOOD FRIDAY, TO MORROW.—GRAND SACRED CONCERT on • the Great Handel Orchestra. Madame Rudersdorff, Westbrook, Miss Whytock, Mr. Sims Reeves, M r . Patey, and ' Mr. Weiss. Solo Trumpet , M r. Earner. The Orchestra will comFrise the Crystal Palace Baud, Band of the Coldstream Guards, and full Chorus. Mr. James Coward will preside at the Handel Festival Organ. C, nductor, Mr. A. . The Old Hundreolth'Psalm , the Evening Hy mn, and the National Anthem will be performed, the chorus being joined in by the tens of thousands of visitors. C omm ence at Half-past Three. The floor of the great transept and the first tier of galleries open to the public without extra charge. Reserved seats (front rows) of Great Handel Orchestra and Shakspere House Platimm. lialf-a-Crown each ; Back Seats, orchestra, and Upper Galleries of Great Transept, One These tickets at the Crystal Palace, at No. 2, Exeter Hall ; or. on Good Friday, at the Ticket Stands in the Naves. Admission, One Shilling,. NoTz.—The Victoria Cross Gallery, painted by Mr. L. W. Desanges, of fifty -taree pictures, illustrating the acts of heroism which won for the principal characters the distin guished reward of the Victoria Cross, presented by her Ma jesty the Queen. Tu ff s celebrat d collection having been nurchased by Harry Wood, Esq., of Leeds, w ll be removed immed ate .y after Easter. 'rids is consequently the last opportunity the public can ha ve of viewing these interesting pictures. No extra charge to this admirable Gallery. CRYSTAL PALACE. - GOOD FRIDAY, TO-MORROW,—HaIt-a-Crown and Shilling Reserved Tickets may be secured THIS DAY at the Palace and at 2, Exeter Hail.—Open till Seven this evening. CRYSTAL PALACE. GOOD FRIDAY, TO-MORROW. Admission !s. the Palace an 1 Grounds open from Nine o'clock till dark. Frequent trains from Eight in the morning till night, from London-br dge, Victoria, Kensia,ton, aid intermediate stations. First, see nd, and third class, into the Crystal Palace Station. Also from the Elephant and Cast e and other stations of the Chatham and Dover line, to Sydenham-hill and Penge stations. Excursion Trains from the Brighton and South Coast, the Chatham and Dover, the out Br stern, and other lines, and, via Kensington, from Bow, Llighbury. Camd.n, &c. NOTE. —Clapham Junction. connecting the Crystal Palace with stat ons on the South Western, and the London and North Western, the Great Western and the North London, via Kensington, is tvaitable. The Charinc,f-cross Railway to Lond-bridge Station open throughout the day. Trains every few on minutes. AIR. SIMS REEVES will sing, "Comfort ye j_Vl my pepple" (Messiah. "If with ail y ur hear a" (Elijah, and "The enemy , said" (Israel in Egypt, at the CRYSTAL PALACE, GOOD FRIDAY.—DoJrs open at Eine. Concert at half-past Three. (CRYSTAL PALACE.-GOOD FRIDAY.- kJ Madame RUDERSDORFF will sing "I will extol Thee" (Eli), "Inilammatus" (Stabat Mater), and "Let the bright serphim" (Samson), the latter with obligato by Mr. T. Harper, CRYSTAL PALACE -GOOD FRIDAY.- Mr. WEISS will Sing "The trumpet shall sound," (Messiah), Trumpet oblig - ato, Mr. T. Harper ; and wall Mr. Patey, the duet, "The Lord is a man of war" (Israel in Egypt). CRYSTAL PALACE.-GOOD FRIDAY. Open for Admission from Nine till dark. BONNErS SILKS a LYON.—Every Article of commerce takes its title either from the inventor or vanufacturer, and the more perfect the production the greater is the credit which attaches to the originator. BONNET'S SILKS are said to be incapable of identifica tion in England; but the fallacy of such an assertion is ex pos .d by the very trade mark of the firm, as exhibited by Messrs. JAY, of Regent-street. The following interwoven mark may be seen at the end ofeach piece :—" Manufacture de C. J. Bonnet et Cie., 'a Lyon ct a Injarieux." Wear guaranteed. TaEATRE ROYAL DRUR Y-L AN E, Managers, Messrs. Edmond Falconer and F. E. Chatterton. Commence at 7. I'IVEW THE ATRE-ROYAL, ADELPHI.— Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. Webster. For the Benefit of Mr. J. W. Anson, Treasurer. THIS EVENING, THE WOMAN HATE R ; Mr. Benj. Webster, and Miss H. Simms. Song Miss Poole. Followed by THE BONNIE FISHWIFE. Mr. J. Clarke and Miss M. Oliver. After whi:h, THE UNPROTECTED FEMALE. Miss Polly Marshall. To conclude with THE AREA BELLE : Messrs. J. L. Toe.e, P. Bedford, ti. Romer, Miss Woolgar, and Mrs. 11. Lewis. Commence at 7. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE, Mana , zer, Mr. W. H. Swanborough. On EASTER MONDAY, a new Comediczta, A HUNT FOR A HUSBAND. After which, the Grand Christmas Burlesque, ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE : Messrs. Honey, Wood, James Fenton. Mesdames Swanborough, Marie Wilton, Hughes, &a Commence at 7. TETE THIRD EDITION OF " THE SUN." I,,, o l l a t c n . 2 . , , i v T,; .y til v L erl al.eg ng t STORTING INTELLIGENCE, lot G. R. GLltillE, NEWS AGENT, No. 4, Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park. COALS. —The LILLESHALL COMPANY'S COALS. Direct from their own Collieries. M arquis'. .... .26s per ton. Double . 21s. per ton. Top ......... 252 . Nut 5.. ...... 19s. Deep .... • •• ........... 225. „ Well screened and delivered within five miles of their De pots, Weatbonrne Park road , and 17, South Wharf, fadrlington, - ' ' Best C0te......... lsa. per chaldron. Terms cash. JOHN SCOTT, Sole Agent. STEAM from LONDON to NEW YORK. The p,ritish and American Steam Naviff,ation Company (Limited) Will DESPATCH one of the undermentioned splendid Fast Seury Steamers TWICE EACH MONTH for York: — • Tons. m„„ poorTONer. WE .......... 2,F , 00 „... ~ „ er. WE 3flitirT Eft . . 2,500 ..... ;` 4 - .', •.. • . Capt. GLovE R. DUBLIN ......... . 2,f,00 , „.. too ••• • • Capt. Cocci. NEW YORF:. ...... 2,500 „.„ too :••• • Capt. FR0171). HARRIS. T h ese magnificent, vessels are unsurPas — sed t apt. r.roilig steamer, and have accommodation for by any ocean piete witn every co mfort. The Line will co p n aissen menc gers re early date ; the ex ect day to be fixed in a latter announce e - at an. meat. To load in th e Victoria Docks. For freight or passage apply to the Comp •a Agents, Alfred Laming and Co. , 70, CornhilL 4117 THE VINTAGE W INE COmpti-Ny Supply the Public, at a sm all advance on wholesal e Vices, with every description of Wine s and Spirits. Terms, Cash. THE VINTAGE COMIDN SHERRY .. at 18s. per doz. THE, VINTAGE CH XMPAGNE.• ...... " 278. " TILE VINTAGE CLARET ....... . ..... .., its. ~ THE VLNTAGE PORT from 2.05. 0 Medical and Clerical Teithimnials' toge ther with the Illus trated Vintage Alma nac, post free on application. containing foil detailed Pr ice L st, Four Dozen Wire sent Carriage Free. 14, Bloomsbury-street, 4 doors south of New Oxforditreet , 'zae Weather—Sun Office, March 24, 1864. THERMOMETER. This day at Two o'clock Barometer-29.91. Wind—East; moderate breeze, and fine. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tats DA.T.—Morning, 2h. 49m—Afternoon, 3h. 3m. To-monnow.-Morning, 2h. 18m.—Afternoon, 3h. 36m. _ 1 , 47 4- 4 .1 14 ? " §44tder- , e4Jt LONDON, THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1864. The Conference is reported to have been defini- tively accepted by the Austrian and Prussian Governments. Accepted by them without any de tailed basis, and, of course, without any prospect even of an armistice. The intimation that such is the understanding comes to us ominously together with rumours of farther and fiercer fighting be tween the belligerents before Diippel. Statements were even put forth freely in• Paris last evening to the effect that Duppal had been actually carried by storm at the cost of a very heavy sacrifice of life both to the assailants and assailed, by the Austro. Prussians. The veracity of this flying rumour, however (doubtful at the time of its vacillating movement hither and thither among the Parisian newsmongers), has since then been very generally discredited. Yet, no matter what may chance to be the veritable situation of things in that part of the invaded territory—there at Diippel, confronting each other in arms, are, beyond a doubt of it, the belligerents. Holstein has long since been com pletely overrun by the German soldiery. Schleswig, saving only one small and comparatively insigni ficant portion of the province, has been taken com plete possession of by the Austro-Prussians. luso- much, indeed, has it been seized and monopolised by them that the Danish functionaries have, one and all of them, given place to duly appointed subjects of one or another among the Sovereign houses Cora posing that Diet, whose capital is Frankfort-on-the• Maine. Added to which, as a token of the com pleteness of this Germanic seizure of Schleswig, the Danish language has thera been, as far as might be in any way practicable, set aside altogether as a tongue so far illegal that it is known to be, nay, for that matter, is virtually announced to be under a sort of a taboo—the grand guttural German language being substituted for it. Nor is this all Jutland itself, as Europe generally knows but too well, has been invaded, has had its frontiers overrun, and though there was a rumour for a brief interval to the effect that the Prussians had been, on second thoughts, withdrawn from Jutland; that rumour turned out only all too soon to have been wholly without any foundation. There, in Jutland, as previously in Schleswig, and before that in Holstein, the German invaders have taken up a distinct position. And it is while such, in truth, is the actual situa tion of things, yonder in the Danish seat of war, that Austria and Prussia consent auspiciously to the proposed opening of a Conference—without an armistice l The territorial integrity of the Danish monarchy under the present dynasty is to be main tained, no doubt. Austria and Prussia, in point of fdct,premise as much while agreeing to this proposed Conference without an armistice. Yes, the territorial integrity is to be maintained—but, the invasion of the Danish territory is to be maintained also; the wai is to be continued. The arguments of the diploma tists at the council board of the Conference are liable, all the while the Conference is sitting, to be in. erfered with, interrupted,, rendered nugatory, rendered it may even prove to be, at any moment during the existence of be Conference, absolutely ridiculous—by the sheer force of the feats of wai accomplished by the rival commanders-in-chief. The futility of Conferences holden daring a war, holden. while war is in actual progress, holden in other words without the all essential prelimi nary of an armistice—the futility of Conferences of that dubious character, has long and long ago come to be proverbial. It is for all the world like—what shall we say ? Well, let us say, it is like arguin as coolly as may be in any way practicable, as ,o th e probability of being able to put a stop to a confla gr already commenced—arguing thus (as far as may be in any way practicable) coolly while the floors under our feet and the walls around us are hot and crackling with the advancing flames. Nay, it is a more wilfully irrational proceeding in its way than even that would be, It is arguing at a council board, the lights at which are stuck in open barrels of gunpowder. So auspicious, under the actual circumstances, is this acceptance by the Austrians and Prussians of a Conference—without an armistice. Clouds of ominous portent are gathering thickly round the present Administration. Not only is their immediate course beset with difficulties—not only have they fallen into contempt abroad, and arrayed against them, the general feeling of the public at large and the patriotic sense of both Houses—not only ara they perplexed by their own vacillation and inconsistency which causes them alternately to do too little and too much—but they have the satis faction of seeing their opponents slowly but surely gaining strength, rallying their forces, raising their standards, and preparing their plans for the coming car.npaign. The Conservative reaction is no longer a vision or a theory, but an actual fact, indicated no less certainiy in the altered tone of the adherents of that party than in the e:ection returns. Instead of mourning over ancient losses, they now busy themselves in reckoning up prospective gains ; instead of anathematising the injustice which drove them from office, they discourse, half triumphantly, half scornfully, on the mistakes and errors of their rivals. The dislodgement of the present unlucky occupants of the Ministerial benches is confidently spoken of, and it deserves to be especially remarked as indicative of the causes of their rapid declension in popular favour, that the grounds of their coming dismissal are by no me ans purely Conservative. Oar foreign policy, that ingenious science of nat.d -g and muddling by which E ar l R USSE LL h as contrived dlin to abandon De amark, to crouch to America, to fan the flame of war betwean Russia and Poland, without running the risk of being scorched himself, to incense France, to encourage Prussia on the road to ruin, to proclaim universal peace, while Englishmen were fighting in Japan, China, India, and New Zealand—this new RUSSELL code is undoubtedly foremost among the reasons for the Ministerial decline. Bat with regard to domestic matters they do not escape scathless. Re form, that wonder-working word, which was at one time the strength and the war-cry of the Whigs, has long since become their weakness and their bugbear. At one time the cry of Reform was suffi cient to rally all the wavering supporters of the House of RUSSELL. At present it points the sharpest arrow which can be aimed at our ennobled Foreign Secretary. The advice to " rest and be thankful!' may be very welcome and appropriate when the mountain top is gained, bat the guide who proffers it by word and example when only half way up is likely to be looked upon with irrita tion and suspicion. Toe public, disgusted with the Liberalism which avoids the question of the fran chise, and unconditionally rejects ttle ballot, is THE SoN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, MARCH 24, 1864. midst of a struggle, and appear to lose, and another to tone down and modify the measures which are introduced, and the plans proposed in the conduct of affairs. The phiipsophical poli tician and the lover of independence seem destined to have their feelings outraged, and their wishes frustrated in some shape or another, but it is encouraging if all does not go wrong together, and if there appears a certain prospect of Polish peace, and a good hope of some emendation taking place in her policy, there will be a consola tion to the lookers-on for the disheartening aspect of Danish affairs, It must appear, also, that what ever blame was attributable to Russia for the line adopted by her Cabinet lest year, some of those nations who criticised the course of the CZAR and his followers are now themselves enacting a worse part. Certainly Austria and Prussia have fallen from their high estate since they contended for the glory of leading Germany, and of renovating and reorganising the Constitution of that Empire. Already there are rumours afloat concerning dis turbances and disaffections, which are sure to accrue when once the trumpet of war has sounded. Thus the Austrian Government has been full of concern regarding suspicious symptoms in Pesth. Doubt less as yet all this is trivial enough, but before long affairs may assume a more portentous aspect. With foreign wars and home disturbances, with liberal nations scandalised at their want of consistency, and their own people sent back a long way in the progress of civilisation, it must be certified that the Germanic Powers have retrograded considerably of late. In perusing the accounts which are con tinually met with concerning the position of the States of Eutope, and on hearing the comments which perplexity puts forth and surprise gives utterance to, it suggests itself forcibly and pain fully to the mind that a great and governing in fluence is unfelt, and a mighty power inactive which once was exercised not in vain in the sacred cause of freedom and the noble rights of indepen dence. Where is England's place now amid the tumult and strife which reign triumphant ? and why is our country no longer a guiding spirit in he right direction, instead of wavering between ,wo opinions, and serving neither party. Sir Rowland Hill. The following copy of a " Letter and Memorandum 'rom Sir Rowland Hill, K.C.8., to the Commis- sioners of the Treaeury, with reference to their lordships' Minute granting him a Special Superan- nuation Allowance," has baen issued in return to an order of the House of Commons : Hampstead, March 17, 1864. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. LREUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] DENMARK. COPENHAGEN, MARCH 22, 8 40 p.m. The Rigsdag was closed to-day. The principal passages of the speech from the Throne were the following : " We are still alone, and do not know how long Europe will look with indifference upon the acts of violence perpetrated against us. We are ready to do everything that may serve to obtain peace, but the enemy must know that the period is still dis tant when we shall be compelled to submit to an humiliating peace. This is the King's farewell to you." The Flensburg Chamber of Commerce has re solved upon continuing to make the settlements in Danish currency, notwithstanding the loss by the Agio. _ _ AIX, MARCH 23, Evening. The case of M. Armand, who was arrested on a charge of having attempted to murder his servant, was continued today. The Procureur-General reduced the charge to blows given and wounds inflicted with premedita- don, but without intent to kill. M. Lachand then resumed the defence and was so loudly applauded by the persons in Court that the President declared 'hat to-morrow's sitting would not be public. The verdict will most probably be given to-morrow. ,A.FIERIC A. SOUTHAMPTON, MARCH 25. The North German Lloyds' steamer Bremen, from New York on the 12th inst., arrived off the Needles at 10 a.m, to.day, with the French and English mails. My Lords,—The Postmaster• General, as requested by your lordships, has done me the favour to furnish me with a copy of your minute of the 11th inst., granting me a spe cial superannuation allowance on retiring from my office as Secretary to the Post-office, and convoying to me the very favourable opinion which your lordships are pleased to express of the manner in which I have discharged my duties. It cannot be necessary to assure your lordships of the deep gratification with which I have received so handsome and elaborate a recognition of my services. I have only to beg that you will be pleased to accapt my most respectful thanks. In a document so highly complimentary, I hesitate to notice what would appear to be an admission, inadvertently made, to the effect that the adoption of the uniform penny postage was urged by others before the development of my plans; this, I assure your lordships, is an error; and, as uniformity of rate constitutes the main feature of my plan, I am naturally anxious to place before you the real facts of he case. I trust, therefore, you will pardon me if I request attention to the enclosed memorandum on the subject. I need scarcely add, that should the expectations of my medical friends, of improved health, from rest, be realised. And any occasion arise in which it may appear to your lord ships that my assistance or advice in further postal improve ments may be of advantage, I shall Lel donoared by being permitted to place them at your disposal.—l have, &c. (Signed) HOWLAND 11.1141.. The Right Hon. the Lords Commissioners of her Majesty's Treasury, &c. MEMORANDUM. A low and uniform rate of postage forms the most essen tial feature of my plan of postal reform, and I have no hesi tation in stating that its onception originated wholly with myself. To guard against future error I ask permission to place on record a brief statement of facts. The principle of uniformity of rate, now that it has been in successful operation for nearly a quarter of a century, appears, perhaps, simple and obvious; bur so far from its having been, as it is sometimes supposed, the happy thought of a moment, it was the result of most laborious investiga• tion on my part. Indeed, a slight consideration will show that its conception necessarily involved a previous disco. very, viz., that the cost per letter of mere transit within the limits of the United Kingdom was practically inappre- oiable, or at least that it was not dependent mainly on dis tance, being in fact quite as much dependent on the number of letters contained in the particular mail, as on the distance that mail was carried. Indeed, it was shown from careful investigation that the cost of mere conveyance, even for so great a distance as from London to Elinburgh, was only the 36th part of a penny per letfer. From this and other facts it followed that a uniform rate was more just than one varying according to distance. The convenience of uni formity was obvious. I may add that when I first entered on the investigations preparatory to the construction of my plan, I myself had no conception of the practicability of a uniform rate ; and that the discovery referred to above was as startling to myself, as it proved when announced to the public at large. A reference to my original pamphlet, a copy of which is, I presume, still in your lordships' possession, or to my evi dence before the select committee of 1838, appointed to in quire into the practicability of say plans, will show the various steps by which I arrived at the conclusion that a uniform penny rate was at once just and practicable. There is but one other person, so far as I am aware, to whom the suggestion of a uniform penny rate has, with even the slightest plausibility, even bee* assigned—l refer to the late Mr. Wallace, formerly membei for Greenock, and chair man of the select committee on postage in 1838 ; but though Mr. Wallace frequently uged, among other useful reforms, a great redaction in the postal charges, I can say from personal knowledge that he had no idea whatever of a uniform rate until after the publication of my pamphlet. Indeed, this sufficiently appears from the speech in Parlia • ment in July, 1835, the last occasion on which, before the publication of my pamphlet, he referred to the rates of postage. The following is as extract from Hansard (vol. 35, 3d series, p. 422) ; " At the same time the rates o! postage ought to be re duced. It would be proper not to charge more than 3d for any letter sent a distance of 50 miles; for 100 miles, 41; 200, 6d ; and the highest rate d postage ought not to be more than 8d or Od at most." Fnrther evidence upon this point is also in my possession, which can be submitted should it be deemed necessary. (Signed) ROWLAND HILL, Hampstead, March 17, 1864. Bank of England, 1864. The following is the House List of the Governors and Directors of the, Bank of England for the ensuing year:— FOR GOVERNORS. Kirkman Daniel Hodgson, Esq., Governor. Henry Lancelot Holland, Beck, Deputy-Governor. FOR DIRECTORS. . . Thomas Baring, Esq. Julia Ben j am i n Heath, E sq. Henry:Wollaston Blake,-,sq. John Geilibrand Hubbard, Henry Hulse Berens, Esq. Esq* John Willi am Bi rc h Esq. Thos. Neuman Hunt, Esq. Travers Buxton, Esq. Alf r ed Latham, Esq. ArthurEdwd.Campbell,Esq. George Lyall, Esq. Stephen Cave, Esq, Thomas Masterman, Esq. , q, William Cotton, Esq. Alexander Matheson, Esq. James Pattison Currie, Esq. Jaw s Morris, Es q , Beujamin Buck Greene Es sh,f6;3ld Neave, Esq. Geo, Joachim Goschen, Esq. Ge or geW aide Norman, Esq. James Alex. Guthrie, Esq. Edward Howls Fulmer y , Thomson Hankey, Esq. t Esq. helld'haetetlhe BankectionforonGoTvueernsdoaryrhe sth April next, and ford Deputy - Governor will be Directors on Wednesday, the 6th April, from 10 o'clock in the forenoon till 4 in the afte 10011. THE SHEFFIELD RELIEF FUND.—Last evening the Mansion-house subscription towards the relief of the sufferers by the calamity at Sheffield amounted to £2x6 odd, exclusive of £5OO contributed by the Corporation of London. Among others, Sir Francis Goldstuid has sent £lOO to the Lord Mayor ; Longman, Green, and Co., £5O ; Mr. Robert Vyner, £5O; Goad, B , igg, and Co ,25 ; Robert Barnett, £2l; Smallfield, Mills, and Neames, £2l; Mr. Thomas Perry, £2O; Sir William Fitzherbert, £25; Hanbury and Lloyds, £2l; and Mr. Walter, M.P,, £2O. FEDERAL ENLISTMENTS IN IRELAND.—Though hundreds are daisy enlisted, the constabulary —over 13,000 in number—have not yet been able to discover a recruiting agent. A detective from London would effect more than the whole force. SOUTHAMPTON, Wednesday.—The Hamburg- American Company's screw steamship Teutonia, Captain P. Haack, sailed hence to•day, at 2 p.m., for New York, with a full complement of passengers of all classes, and a large cargo, including 6,000 chests of tea shipped at this port, clined to look even for Reformers to those Conser vative benches whose occupants have at least acted up to their very moderate professions in that respect. In minor matters, too, the Government have con trived to offend some important sections of the people. The injustice and inequality attending the abolition of the paper duty was at once apparent to every unprejudiced mind. The French were allowed the privilege of sending us their paper duty free and of importing our rags free in return, while our own manufacturers—compelled to face foreign competi tion at home—have to procure a large portion of their rags under a heavy duty. .Such inconsistency is absolutely ridiculous when dignified by the name of free trade. It is something of the same character as the one-sided free trade which allows a highway man to clear our pockets. This feature in the case against the Government was strongly dwelt upon the other day at one'of the grand Conservative reunions which are typical of the gathering strength and heightening hopes of Lord DERBY'S party. The inauguration of a new political society under the name of " The Maidstone Conservative Association" was celebrated with banners, speeches, toasts, and general rejoicings in the Corn Exchange of that town. The object of the association, as may be surmised from its title, is to concentrate and organise the Conservative forces, especially with the view of securing the return of a Conservative representative 'et the next general election. Mr. WARDLAW, the gentleman who contested the borough on a former occasion without success, was present, and pledges of unity and fidelity were given on both aides. It is noticeable, however, that the defections of the pre• sent Government were the point most strongly dwelt upon by all parties, and as was natural in a Maidstone assembly, the question of the Paper Duties was brought prominently forward. One gentleman, Mr. BUBBRIDGE, who represented the paper making interest of the town, frankly con fessed having changed his colours on that ground alone. His political opinions, he said, were the same, but " finding that the Liberal party persisted in their injustice and unfairness, he turned to the Conservatives ; and he believed that their only chance of obtaining redress was to turn out the pre sent Government." This is plain speaking, and coming from a former supporter and an elector on the eve of a general election it bodes little good to the existing Administration when the trial of strength shall come on the hustings. Mr.BUSBRIDGE is no inapt representative of a good many who are Liberals by conviction and principle, but who area not children to be satisfied with words, nor ignorant enough not to see that the free trade and reform of the Whigs are as onesided as their neutrality. The allusions made in the addresses to the state of affairs in Denmark and America called forth the hearty sympathies of the meeting, who joined warmly in Mr. WARDLAW'S denunciation of Earl RUGSELL'S treacherous abandonment of Danish interests, and in his declaration that the feeling of England in the Schleswig Holstein dispute was exclusively with the Danes, and in the American struggle were principally with the South. The speaker, though holding up the energy and determination of the Southern States to admiration, did not hesitate to recommend the observance of strict neutrality be ,ween the belligerents, but he commented strongly Jn the notorious fact that the Federate are allowed to ship men from Ireland, and ammunition from Birmingham, while a rumour that the famous steam rams are building for the Confederates detains them ilnfinished. These are facts from which there is no Appeal. They carry conviction to the minds of those sturdy independent Eoglishmen of the middle classes who form the most important portion of the non-legislating public. Their common sense, their love of right and justice, and their patriotic pride aid feeling are all insulted by the policy p irsued ,with respect to Denmark, to America, to Reform, .0 the Paper Duty. Such questions as these are - he real weakness of a Government, and so long as , he members of the present Administration pursue he course they are now treading their antagonists (tale good cruse to rejoice over their rising fortunee end to anticipate coming triumphs. it is said that misfortunes never come single, and .he present position of the States of Europe seem, o verify the asset tion. It is more than a year since Ale Polish Insurrection commenced, and since that period there has been nothing but disturbances o one kind and another. At present the confusion is great, and the spirit of discord is rife. No one can foresee what the end will be, or what other nation may be dragged into the vortex. Rumours, sug gestions, and prophecies abound, but it is impossible co give credence to them, and the only wise course is to study the several details, and from them draw an inference as to what is likely to occur. It is very evident that, notwithstanding their professions of unity, and the equanimity which is declared to reign in their councils, that Russia, Prussia, and Austria are not all united with respect to the policy that should prevail in Poland. The fact is, that each party seeks only for its own advantage, and is too embarrassed in deciding upon what steps to take for the achievement of that desired end to be able to coalesce with other Governments. Perhaps, in the long run, this may be all for the best as regards Poland, and the very circumstances which mili- tated against the remonstrances of the two German nations having any Effect last summer, may now act indirectly for the benefit of that ill-used nation. The Emperor of RUSSIA. may fear to prolong the present contest too far, knowing the longing eyes that are cast on his proceedings, and . fearing that at some inopportune moment advantage may be taken of the position, and he may sustain serious incon venience. Either this idea may influence the Cabinet of St. Petersburg, or the present unsettled state of things in Europe as regards Denmark may have produced an Effect upon their tactics, but they seem now to be moderating their policy, and tempering down the fierceness of their previous plans. It has been reported that news from Warsaw brings the welcome intelli gence that order promises shortly to reign there, and that the " sabre regulations " may be shortly suspended. Of course this must depend upon several contingent circumstances, but still the an nouncement of such a thing is a great step in advance. For the most park people have long since given up all hopes of the speedy regeneration of Poland ; and, indeed, it is not likely that this generation will live to wit- ness the auspicious event. The present policy which animates and actuates the several States of Europe is too reticent for the accomplishment of any striking change. There is no Power that is at all likely to go to war for the cause pur et simple of Polish independence, and the arbitration of conferences, or the transmission of " notes " will never effect the important altera tion. All things taken together then, it seems about the best thing that can be hoped for that the insurrection should die out, and that thus the remnant of the population may be saved perhaps to fight their battles over again in better times, and under happier circumstances. It is not very presumptuous to suppose that all that has occurred has produced some influence on Russia, and that expectant Europe may not be dismayed and dis tressed at the sight of a renewal of the hard and harsh policy which scandalised all Europe a short time back. It is one thing to leave off in the FRANCE. BOURSE, March 23.—Tne market was heavy at the opening, but afterwards improved. Threes, for the Account, whioh commenced at 64'. Mc., art , now at 661. 10c. Mobilier, have advanced to 1,060 f. Railway Market quiet, but firm. The market closed as follows : 41 per Cents. 93 40 Do. end month 3 per Cents Do. end month E6 10 Credit Mobilier 1057 60 Do. end month 1062 60 Bank Shares 3300 Credit Fonder 1285 Roman Italian Loan 67 90 Do. end month 6B New ditto ...... 67 50 Do. end month 67 75 Russian Austrian .. BO Spanish Threes 6l 50 florae Debt .. Deferred GUM RA IL Cash. Account. 1006 25 .. 1910 960 .. 960 Orleans Northern New ditto — - Lyons and Mediterranean 940 .. 940 New, ditto . 888 75 .. S Althorn 656 25 .. 660 'Western Eastern Sardinian Austrian Lombard North of Spain Saragossa 682 50 .. Ditto to Barcelona Opening of the Norwegian Diet, The following is the speech of the King of Nor way and Sweden on the opening of the sixth extra ordinary Storthing : Good Gentlemen and Norwegians,— In the presence of events known to us all, I have consi dered it my duty to convene the Storthing of the kingdom of Norway, in order that I, by means of its decisions, may obtain the same freedom to act in relation to Norwegian affairs which I already possess in relation to those of Sweden, Having now before my eyes the object to spare the two na tions whose fate Providence has entrusted to nay charge from all great sacrifices other than such as circumstances may necessitate, I cannot, nevertheless, fail to foiesea the possibility that the demand for such sacrifices may become imperative, and the difference between the constitution of two kingdoms has therefore rendered it necessary to con vene the Storthing, so that no impediments may occur to the siraultanaous adoption of such provisionary measures as the development of events require in relation to both na ions. I am confident that the Storthing is united with me in the opinion that both peoples should in the same degree be prepared to meet those claims which circumstances may de• mend from them. Since the Storthing's last meeting I, on behalf of the united kingdoms, in concert with other Powers, have concluded a treaty with his Majesty the King of the Bel , gians for the abolition of the Scheldt dues. With regard to the pecuniary compensation required for this purpose, it, so far as Norway is concerned, is contingent on the consent of the Storthing. The proposal for that consent will, there fore, be laid before you. Certain other propositions concerning internal affairs, and which require the 00-operation of the Storthing, will also be presented. I am in the highest degree assured that the Storthing will, with joy, receive the announcement of the approach ing betrothal of my most beloved brother, his Royal High ness Prince AugustuQ, to her Highness the Princess Theresa of Saxe -Altenburg. At the same time that I now declare the sixth extraordi nary Storthing of the Kingdom of Norway opened, do I also implore the blessing of God on your labours, and re main, in all Royal grace and favour, good gentlemen and Norwegians, earnestly watchful over the welfare of all in general, and of each in particular. Given at Christiania Palace the 14th March, 1864. CARL. (Signed) G. SIBBERN. J. AALL. The following is his Royal Majesty's most gra. dons proposition to the Norwegian Storthing tha its consent be given to the employment of the Norwegian troops of the line and the fleet in aid of Denmark during its present war with the German Powers, and, further, to an extraordinary vote of supply to the war establishment : We, Carl, by the grace of God King of Norway and Sweden, the Goths and the Vandals, hereby make known His Majesty, who fully recognises the importance to the united kingdoms of the preservation of the blessings of peace, and whose most earnest efforts will be devoted to that object, so long as circumstances render it possible to prevent breach thereof, cannot nevertheless fail to foresee the possi bility that the deplorable hostilities now occurring in our neighbouring country, Denmark, may render it indispen sable for both the united kingdoms to take such military means as the course of eN eats and treaties with other Powers growing out of those events might give occasion to. In order that, on behalf of the kingdom_ the requisite control owr military force and its financial resources may be obtained, which would enable his Majesty at one and the same time for both kingdoms to take those measures which, after mature deliberation, may be considered demanded by the unquestionable obligation of both, his Majesty—confi • dently relying on the Storthing that it, with its wonted patriotism and clear insight into existent relations, will sus tain his Majesty's efforts in this important point—requests the Norwegian Storthing to sanction as follows :- 1. The Storthing enacts that the troops of the line and the national fleet, whensoever and for so much as her Majesty may consider necessary, shall be used in aid of Denmark during its present war with the German Powers. 2. As an extraordinary supply to the defensive force of the kingdom Spd 600,000 are voted, and hie Majesty, for the same purpose, is empowered to supply a further sum, not exceeding Spd 300,000, but this latter sum can only bo ap plied after a new extraordinary Storthing shall have been convened, or at the same time at which it is convened. On the one hand, to put it in the power of the Storthing to form an independent opinion on these most important matters, and, cn the other, not to contravene that secrecy of diplomatic acts which, over and above its foundation in the mutual understanding which regulates all international ne gotiations is further inevitably necessary to maintain se curely the relation of the kingdoms to foreign Powers. His Majesty will cause to be laid before the Storthing the minutes of the Council of State, held with special reference to the affair, wherein also will be included the reports of the Minister for Foreign Affairs concerning the details of the case, and the position therein wh . ch the united kingdoms have held, together with copies of the Government delibe rations thereon ; which documents, nevertheless, from their confidential nature, must for the time be held strictly secret by the individual members of the Storthing. His Majesty further requests the Storthing, that in cases when diplo matic papers of a character requiring the most stringent secrecy may have to be produced, a special committee should be chosen, which under the strictest obligation of secresy shall have such documents laid before it,leo that its report, based on scrutiny of such documents, may serve to guide the Storthing in its decision. His Majesty, in all Royal grace and favour, remains the devoted guardian of the Norwegian Storthing. Given at Christiania Palace the 14th March, 1864, under our hand and the seal of the realm. CARL. (Signed) G. SIBEERN. J. MALL. Tom THUMB retires, it is said, on a quarter of a million—so that it SOCLUB much easier to make a fortune by littleness than by greatness. Good Friday is invariably a great day at the Crystal Palace ; and being regarded as the great middle-class holi day of the year, this is not to be wondered at. During tho last few years the Management have found it to their inte rest to add to the ordinary attractions of the Palace and Park by a great musical entertainment, the numbers having during that period averaged over 40,000 on each occasion. As since last Good Friday considerable additional railway facilities have been opened up, it is not unlikely that these numbers, large as they are, will be greatly exceeded. To afford extra facilities for the arrival of visitors, the doors of the Palace will be opened at 9 o'clock in the morn ing, and additional trains will run throughout the day by the London, Brighton, and South Coast system from Lon don-bridge, Victoria, and Kensington, as well as from sta tions on the North London line, and other gfeat lines run ning into Kensington and Clapham Junction stations. The train service by the London, Chatham, and Dover .M.,;tropo litan system from Victoria and Elephant and Castle, with intermediate stations at Camberwell, Brixton, Herne Hill, , will also work to the station at Sydenham Hill, a few hundred yards distant from the front entrance to the Palace. Special trains will also run from many of the main lines, those from the Chatham and Dover running into their new station at Penge, close to the garden entrance to the Palace. As this latter company propose bringing passengers from Chatham and Rochester at the same price, third class ls. 6d. including admission, as that charged from London bridge, it is likely that a very large number will arrive from this source. Additional advantages will also be offered by the opening of the Charing-cross line, which will convey passengers from Charing-cross to the Brighton Company's station at London-bridge. This route will no doubt Le ex- tensively patronised. Performances on. the Great Handel Festival organ, anti by the band of the Coldstream Guards, will commence early. The concert will take place on the Handel Orchestra, at half-past three. The executer s, besides a full chorus, comprise the band of the company, military bands, &c., and will be under the direction of Mr. Manus. Mr. Sims Reeves will sing three of his most favourite solos, with all your hearts," from Elijah; " The enemy said," from Israel in Egypt;' and " Comfort ye, my people," from the Messiah. Madame Rude , sdorff will sing " Let the bright seraphim," and Mr. Weiss, " The trumpet shall sound," with trumpet obligato by Mr. Harper. Mr. Weiss and Mr. Patsy will sing " The Lord is a Man of War," from Israel in Egypt Selections from the " Stabat Mater," of Rossini, will also be performed, and the " Old Hundreth Psalm,,' the Evening Hymn, and the National Anthem, always a great feature on these occa sions, will be sung by the assembled tens of thousands of visitors, backed up by the full orchestra and chorus. It is expected that the concert will terminate at half-past five, and to afford ample opportunity for the visitors to lease leisurely, the palace will be brilliantly lighted up in the evening. The Victoria Cross Gallery, painted by Mr. L. W• Desanges, will be on view, consisting of fifty-three pic tures, illustrating the acts heroism which won for the prin cipal character in each painting the distinguished rewai d of the Victoria Cross, presented:by her Mjesty the Queen, as a reward for special deeds of valour. The scones are painted from the descriptions givsn by the gallant sitters themselves, assisted by their friends and companions in arms, eye witnesses of the actions depic ed, and are there fore National Records of events that must live for ever in the history of our country's glories. The collection hav ing been purchased by Harry Wocd, Esq., of Leeas, will be removed immediately after Easter, and this is conse quently the last opportunity the public can have of viewing these interesting pictures. Extra stiles will be opened at the various entrances to the palace. An additional excursioa exit will be opened at the foot of the South Tower, for passengers by the excur sion trains on the London, Brighton, and South Coast, the South Eastern, and Northern Railways. Singular Case of Attempted Murder in Manchester. A respectably-dressed woman, who gave the name of Ann Leslie, was charged at the City Police Court yesterday with attempting to shoot a gentle man, whose name and address are unknown. About five o'clock last evening the prisoner was seen to follow a man, dressed in an Inverness cape, along Mill Brow, leading from Long Miligate to the Victoria,Sailway Station. Wben the man was at the bottom of the steps, just before crossing the river Irk, - the woman, who was a few yards behintl him, and at the top of the steps, drew a revolver and shot at him. He called upon some lads to protect him, and ran away into the Victoria Railway Station, where he disappeared. The woman followed him, calling out that she would murder him before night. A railway porter, however, caught her, took the revolver from her, and handed her into the charge of a police officer.—Police Superintendent Godby said that a gentleman, named Taylor, living at Waterheau Mill, Oldham, called on him last evening, and said that he happened to be near the man who was shot at, and tha ball struck him (Mr. Taylor) on the left breast, and cut through his clothes. It was inconvenient for him to attend the Court yesterday, and it would therefore be necessary to have the case remanded. Mr. Taylor distinctly heard the woman say she would kill the man. An adjournment would also be necessary to find the person at whom the pistol was discharged. The prisoner was then remanded for a week. The police are not aware of her address, though it is believed that about three months ago she lived in Emblen-street, Geeenheys. The revolver had five barnls, and was a new one. AN ADMIRABLE STATUETTE OF THACKERAT has just been produced by a very clever designer, Mr. Boehm, already favourably known by his clever statuettes of :Millais, Leech, &c. It was exhibited at a soiree of the Royal Institution on Saturday. All who saw it were struck by the lifelike truth of the face and attitude—the rather high square shoulders, the head with raised chin, the hands thrust into the pockets. It is designed for plaster, terra cotta, end bronze, and is a most agreeable memento of one whose personal presence all his friends must love to have recalled to them. MADAME ROSSINI having nearly recovered from her late illness, which led to the postponement of the grand concert announced to be given in honour of the grad maestro's birthday on the 29th ult., it will now shortly take place, to the great delight of a number of his friends and admirers, as the fete is to bo signalised by the first per , formance of en entirely new composition of his own. Royal Italian Opera, Covent-garden On Tuesday next Mr. Gye commences his ope ratic campaign, and the list of now engagements alone show most certainly that during the recess he has been most actively engaged in searching for • and securing the services of artistes new to the metropolis. We are to have no less than eight first appearances, viz., Mdlle. Emilia Lagrna (who will sustain the part of Norma on the open ing night), Mdlle. Destinn, from the Imperial Opera, Vienna ; Mdlle. Giuseppina Tati, from the Royal Opera, Lisbon; Mille. Garulli, from LA Scala at Milan; Signor Scalese, from the Theatre Italien, at Paris; Signor Attri, from Florence; and Herr Schmid, from the Imperial Opera, at Vienna; and Signor Wachtel, whose appearance may be considered as a debut, he having sang but three times at the Royal Italian Opera, in 1862. The general company, and a most brilliant one it is, will consist of Mdlle. Patti, Madame Didiee, Mdlie. Antonietta Fricci, Mdlle. Marie Battu, Madame Rudersdorff, Mdlle. Anese, Madame Tagliafico, and Mdlle. Pauline Lucca, Signor Mario, Signor Temberiik, Signor Naudin, Signor Lucchesi, Signor Rossi, Signor Neri• Baraldi, Signor Ron coni, Signor Graziani, Signor Colonese, Mons. Faure, Signor Tagliafico, Signor Fallar, Signor Polonini, Signor Capponi, and Signor Ciampi, with Costa as director. The arrangements for the season, which will be found in another column of The Sun, are moat complete, because it affords are opportunity to each of the recognised favourites to delight their admirers with a repeti tion of many of the characters who have rendered them famous. Pleasing and delightful as the an ticipation may be, we must not be unmindful of the new works announced for performance. We are to have Nicolay's opera, founded on Shakspere's cdmedy "The Merry Wives of - Windsor," entitled " Die Lustigen Weiber Von Windsor," i❑ which the principal parts will be sustained by Herr Schmid end Mdlle. Lucca; and Verdi's new grand opera of "La Forza del Destino," written expressly for the Emperor of Russia, and produced with the greatest eclat at the Imperial Opera, St. Petersburg, last year. Another feature in the attractive programme is the announcement that Meyerbeer's grand opera "L'Etoile du Nord" will be produced with the utmost splendour. Altogether the season for 1864 bids fair to exceed all its predecessors both as re gards the number of artistes engaged and the im portant works to be performed, ead we can only echo the wish of thousands, viz., that Mr. Gye's exertions may meet with that solid and substantial reward which they undoubtedly, deserve. CRYSTAL PALACE, v . r r - ((rani (firmfat HER MAJESTY. WINDSOR CASTLE, March 23. The Queen, accompanied by her Royal Highness the Princess Helena, walked and drove in the grounds this morning. Viscount and Viscountess Palmerston arrived at the Castle yesterday. _ Viscount Sydney and Viscount and Viscountess Palmerston had the honour of dining with her Ma jesty, the King of the Belgians, and the Royal Family. Lord Palmerston had an audience of the Queen. Visit of Her Majesty to the Wijdsor Workhouse. Her Majesty, attended by Lord C. Fitzroy, the Countess of Caledon, and the Hon. Mrs. Bruce, drove to the picturesque village of Old Windsor on Monday afternoon, and paid a visit of inspection to the Windsor Union Workhouse. The authori ties were unaware of the Queen's intended visit till within an hour or so of her Majesty's arrival, which took place shortly after four o'clock. Her Majesty and suite, on alighting, were received by the Very Rev. the Dean of Windsor, Mrs. Wellesley (who is a constant visitor to the invalids and infirm poor of the house), and the Rev. J. Blunt, vicar of Old Windsor. Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Pullin, the master and matron of the establishment, Lad the honour of explaining the various arrangements of the different departments. Her Majesty commenced her in• spection with an examination of the men's dining hall and oid men's ward, whence the illustrious visitors passed to the boys' schoolroom, where the boys were at work under the superintendence of Mr. C. Clements, the schoolmaster of the union ; and, after an examination of this portion of the house, her Majesty was pleased to express her approbation of the discipline and appearance of the children. The boys' dormitory, old men's and able-bodied men's sleeping wards and store-room, were then inspected, the Queen appearing sur prised and delighted with the arrangements of the latter department. Her Majesty then passed through the women's sleeping wards and girl's dor mitory, and afterwards proceeded to the girls' schoolroom, where the girls of the union (under the tuition of Miss J. Pullin) were engaged in school and needlework, The Queen examined the girls' work, and spoke kindly and encouragingly to several of them. On leaving the school the royal party proceeded to the girls' industrial department, where washing and laundry work was being car ried on, thus preparing the girls for their future tabours in life. Her Majesty did not forget to visit the aged and infirm in the house, and spoke many a kind word to the poor inmates. Having inspected the rest of the wards, bread-room, scullery, kitchen, tailoring and ehoemaking shop, the Queen entered the chapel, concluding her examination of the esta blishment by a visit to the board-room, where her Mjesty left her signature on one of the books, Victoria R.,' with the day and date attached. Her Majesty finally quitted the workhouse at half-past five o'clock, and returned to Windsor Castle, having won golden opinions from the poor inmates of the union, whose dreary existence had been momentarily gladdened by the presence and kindness of their sovereign. The Prince and Princess of Wales. The Prince of Wales rode on horseback yester day morning attended by Lieut. Colonel Keppel. The Princess of Wales took a carriage drive, at tended by Countess De Grey. The Hon. Mrs. Bruce has succeeded Countess de Grey as lady in waiting on her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales. Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales left Marlborough House at a quarter past five, and proceeded by the Great Weetern Railway to Windsor Castle on a visit to the Queen. Ia attendance on their Royal Highnesses were t he Hon. Mrs. Bruce, Lieutenant-Colonel Keppel, and Dr. Hoizmann. Mr. R. Dowling has had the honour of submit ting his portrait of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wates, which he has painted for the Government of Tasmania. MANSION-HOUSE.—His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge has been pleased to accept an invita tion to a banquet to be given by the Lord Mayor on Easter Monday. The Lady Mayo•css (Miss Lawrence) has issued cards of invitation to a juvenile ball on the evening of Wed nesday week, the 6th of April. Her Royal fil A hness the Duchess of Cambridge, accompanied by the Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Stre- Litz and the Princess Mary, has left St. James's Palace for Cambridge Cottage, Kiw, where the royal duchess and her daughters will reside for several weeks. Tne Duke of Newcastle continues to improve. Yesterday the medical bulletin stated that the duke had passed a favourable night, and was much better in the morning. Tae Dnke and Duchess of Roxburgh° have left the Clarendon Hotel for Floors Castle, Kelso. The Marquis of Abercorn has left town for Beaudesert Park, Staffordshire. The marchioness and Lady GeorgLna Hamilton are on their journey home from Nice. The Marquis and Marchioness of Ailesbury have left their house in Pall-mall for Savernake Park, near Marlborough, Wilts, for the Easter holidays. The Earl and Countess of Scarborough have left the St, George's Hotel. The Earl of Cork has left town for Marston House, near Frome. The countess has gone to stay with Mk'. S. Beaumont, M.P., and Lady Margaret Beaumont, at Lansnowne Villa, Richmond. Lord and Lady Annaly and the Hon. Miss White have left Belgrave-square for St. Leonardo-on Sea. Lord and Lady ,Harry Vane and the Hon. Misses Primrose left town on Tuesday for New Battle Abbey, Sussex, Lord and Lady Clarence Paget left his lordship's official residence at the Admiralty yesterday for their seat in Wales. We understand that a marriage is arranged and will shortly take place between Mr Henry Widenhanx Smith, of Castle Widenharn, County Cork, and Miss Robarts, daughter ut the late Mr Abraham Wildey Robarts. DEATH OF LORD ASHBURTOV.—It is with great regret that we have to announce the death of Lord Ashburton. The melancholy event took place at half-past ono o'clock yesterday afternoon at the Grange, and was comparatively unexpected. His lordship had almost en tirely recovered from the series of dangerous pulmonary attacks under which he had recently suffered, but expired suddenly from heart disease, to which he had been subject from youth. - - - --- --- THE VOLUNTEER REVIEW.—Mr. Wyld, of Charing-cross, has published a very useful map showia the locality selected for the forthcoming review. TRE AMBASSADORS FROM MADAGASCAR.—The ir Excellencies the Ambassadors from Madagascar, with their interpreters, accompanied by the commander of the Fisgard flagship, visited the Royal Arsenal, at Woolwich, on 'rues" day, and inspected the laboratories , the g un factories, tbe carriage and other departments. They appeared delighte d and astonished at the working of tne ponderous and cony plicated machinery, and at the vast stores of Nuns, shat shell, and other warlike munitions, PROGRESS OF NEW ZEALAND.—The Registrar' General reports the European population of New Zealan d 125,812 at the end of the year 1862, 79,680 males and 46,1 V females. This is exclusive of the military and their Wei' lies, 7,302 in number. It is an increase of 23 per cent the year. 410,8320 z gold, worth £ 1 , 591,389, were exported in the year, and 9,839,2651 b wool, worth £674,226. V ° , registert.d tonnage of New Zealand had increased to 28118' vessels, of 10,825 tong, employing 931 men and boys. revenue had risen to £1,186,009. MIRACLES OF ART.—At the soiree of the RoY al Institution, on ;,-:atut day, the pnotograPhic statuettes exhibited by Claudet excited much curiositi. this is a piece of French ingenuity. The sitter takes Lill stand in the centre of a circular building properly ligbte' all round ; 24 cameras are levelled at him fro m all side l ,' and 24 photographs taken. A pentagraph is set to sr°r° on a lump of clay, and follows the cartoon el each 1 311°t°' graph. When it has traced out in the clay the unaine the two dozen, all that remains for the modeller is tor e move a few imperfections, and the statue tte is turned It The specimens exhibited were effective enough. Ba t di , ' modeller was said to be Willens , well kn own in Paris so very clever designer for the jewellers and bronze worker s : and the difficulty is to say how much of the Merit of for statuettes may be due to him. Altogethe r, the inaproio.. seemed to be that the sculptor's art was not in any ju-'l3l_l, mut danger from this new application of t he p hotograph° apparatus,